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The Madonna of the Almonds
by Marina FioratoThe second unforgettable historical love story set in Italy from Marina Fiorato, author of the bestseller THE GLASSBLOWER OF MURANO. For fans of Philippa Gregory, Sarah Dunant and Alison Weir.Bernardino Luini, favoured apprentice of Leonardo da Vinci, is commissioned to paint a religious fresco in the hills of Lombardy. His eye is caught by the beautiful Simonetta di Saronno, a young noblewoman who has lost her husband to battle, and whose fortune is gone. Captivated by her beauty and sadness, Bernardino paints Simonetta's likeness, immortalizing her as the Madonna in his miraculous frescoes in Saronno's church. As the sittings progress, artist and model fall in love, and Simonetta reciprocates Luini's genius by creating a drinnk for her lover from the juice of almonds - the famous Amaretto di Saronno.As the frescoes and the liqueur near their completion, the couple's affair distils into a heady brew of religious scandal which threatens their love, and ultimately their lives. Who is the mysterious Jew with a golden hand? And how does a mute young soldier affect Simonetta's destiny?
The Madwoman Upstairs: A light-hearted literary comedy
by Catherine Lowell'A funny, smart read with a kick-ass heroine' Sun on Sunday. A witty, light-hearted comedy about love and fiction, and the all-important difference between the two. Think you know Charlotte, Emily & Anne? Think again. Samantha Whipple is the last remaining descendent of the illustrious Brontë family, of Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre fame. After losing her father, a brilliant author in his own right, it is up to Samantha to piece together the mysterious family inheritance lurking somewhere in her past - yet the only clues she has at her disposal are the Brontë's own novels. With the aid of her handsome but inscrutable Oxford tutor, Samantha must repurpose the tools of literature to unearth an untold family legacy, and in the process, finds herself face to face with what may be literature's greatest secret.
The Madwoman Upstairs: A light-hearted literary comedy
by Catherine LowellSamantha Whipple - a young American woman - is the last remaining descendent of the famous Brontë family, of Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre fame. After losing her father, a brilliant author in his own right, Samantha travels to Oxford in search of a mysterious family inheritance, described to her in her father's will only as 'The Warnings of Experience'. While at Oxford, Samantha studies under Professor J. Timothy Orville III, a disarmingly handsome tutor who seems nothing but annoyed by her family heritage. With Orville as her tempestuous sidekick, Samantha sets out on a mission to piece together her family's history - which, it turns out, may also be literature's greatest buried secret.(P)2016 WF Howes Ltd
The Maeve Binchy Collection
by Maeve BinchyHeart-warming and heart-pulling tales of everyday life, full of wit, charm and wisdom from the world's greatest storyteller. 'One of the world's best-loved writers' Woman's WeeklyHeart-warming and heart-pulling tales of everyday life, full of wit, charm and wisdom from the world's greatest storyteller.'One of the world's best-loved writers' Woman's WeeklyContains: THE COPPER BEECH, THE GLASS LAKE, EVENING CLASS, TARA ROAD, SCARLET FEATHER
The Maeve Binchy Collection
by Maeve BinchyHeart-warming and heart-pulling tales of everyday life, full of wit, charm and wisdom from the world's greatest storyteller. 'One of the world's best-loved writers' Woman's WeeklyHeart-warming and heart-pulling tales of everyday life, full of wit, charm and wisdom from the world's greatest storyteller.'One of the world's best-loved writers' Woman's WeeklyContains: THE COPPER BEECH, THE GLASS LAKE, EVENING CLASS, TARA ROAD, SCARLET FEATHER
The Mafia King's Sister: A Novel (The Mafia Academy Series #3)
by P. RayneThe spicy third chapter of The Mafia Academy Series- A forbidden love dark romance set at a mafia boarding school for the sons and daughters of the most powerful mafia lords.Aria CostaThe first time I saw Gabriele Vitale, some dark yearning deep inside me called to him and no matter what I did, I couldn’t stop wanting him. He’s made it clear that he wants nothing to do with me. But sometimes there’s a flicker of interest in his eye, and it’s enough to make me know he’s lying. When a stupid decision on my part throws us together, I get a first-hand view of the darkness he alludes to. One part of me is drawn to it. Another part of me is frightened by it. But not enough to stop from getting to know him better. He’s like a black hole, slowly sucking me in. As the darkness consumes me, I don’t care if it destroys me.Gabriele VitaleAria Costa is off-limits for many reasons, the least of which is that she’s Marcello Costa’s younger sister. She’s also too young and way too inexperienced to be with someone like me who enjoys dabbling in the darker side of sensuality. My father and her brother have made it clear that I am to steer clear. And I try. But it proves impossible to erase her from my mind. Whenever she’s near, my protective instincts roar, “Mine” and I’d do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Which is why after a foolish decision one night I’m forced to help her figure out who’s threatening her and what they want. I’d give my life for hers, and it might very well come to that.This title was previously published as Coveting the Mafia King's Sister.
The Mage
by Jean JohnsonEight brothers, born in four sets of twins, two years apart to the day--they fulfill the Curse of Eight Prophecy. Though no longer trapped in exile, their growing family faces new problems. The worst of those troubles now fall upon the last of the Sons of Destiny...Hope, Morganen's foretold bride, has finally arrived. But she hasn't been entirely truthful about herself, and the consequences will stretch farther than even she anticipates. Just as Morg gets used to Hope's revelation, new enemies arrive on the Isle, seeking to steal away the brothers' chance at creating a new nation. During their attack, an old foe resurfaces and strikes amid the confusion, kidnapping the final bride-to-be.Either Morg will rescue Hope and help his family complete the Prophecies of the Seer Draganna and the last Duchess of Nightfall, carving a new kingdom in the process...or their enemies will be free to slaughter them all...
The Mage in Black (Sabina Kane #2)
by Jaye WellsSabina Kane doesn't have the best track record when it comes to family. After all, her own grandmother, the leader of the vampire race, just tried to kill her. When she arrives in New York to meet the mage side of her family, the reunion takes the fun out of dysfunctional. On top of that, the Hekate Council wants to use her as a pawn in the brewing war against the vampires. Her mission will take her into the bowels of New York's Black Light district, entangles her in mage politics, and challenges her beliefs about the race she was raised to distrust. And Sabina thought vampires were blood thirsty.
The Mage on the Hill (The Web of Arcana #1)
by Angel MartinezThe Web of Arcana: Book OneA young magic user who wants desperately to live. A jaded recluse who has forgotten what living means. They’re each other’s only chance. Toby’s wild magic is killing him. The mage guilds have given up on him, and it’s only a matter of time before he dies in a spectacular, catastrophic bang. His only hope is an exiled wizard who lives in seclusion—and is rumored to have lost his mind. The years alone on his hilltop estate have not been good for Darius Valstad. After the magical accident that disfigured him and nearly drowned Pittsburgh, he drifts through his days, a wraith trapped in memories and depression. Until a stricken young man collapses on his driveway, one who claims Darius is his last chance. For the first time in fifteen years, Darius must make a choice—leave this wild mage to his fate or take him in and try to teach him, which may kill them both. The old Darius, brash and commanding, wouldn’t have hesitated. Darius the exile isn’t sure he can find the energy to try.
The Mage's Daughter
by Lynn KurlandLynn Kurland's trilogy of love, intrigue, and fantastic destiny continues as a female mercenary fights for her life, her future, and the one man who can save her... Darkness in the kingdom... Neroche is under assault by a magic that has stripped its king of his powers and unleashed nightmarish creatures in a war of evil in which Morgan of Melksham is fighting for her life. Recovering from a near-fatal attack, Morgan realizes that she must decide between two fates: that of being a simple shieldmaiden or accepting her heritage as an elven princess. If only she could ignore that she was the daughter of the perilous black mage of Ceangail... Magic in the blood... Duty bound to aid his king, Miach of Neroche is torn between what his responsibilities demand and what his heart desires. He is willing to risk his life to rescue Morgan from the darkness that haunts her, but he must do so at the peril of his realm. Forced to choose between love and the burden of his mantle, Miach sets out on his most deadly quest ever.
The Mages' Quest (Avana #2)
by Annie Lavigne✤ The adventures of Avana and Shay in the land of Erin continue. ✤ Shay is taking part in a quest for the four elements. As the mage of water, his task is to find the Mother of the Oceans. However, he is lacking something, and this is preventing the Mother of the Oceans from revealing herself to him. Could he be in need of a woman’s love? Meanwhile, a strange mist is spreading across the land of Erin, darkening the hearts of druids and knights alike, and making them kill each other. Avana must travel to Connacht, in enemy territory, to persuade Queen Maeve to unite with the Ulaid and fight the forces of the Shadows together. Will Conor and Maeve’s warriors manage to put their past behind them and join forces against Zha’hor’s armies? It is imperative that the circle of the elements is assembled as quickly as possible, so Avana, who is connected with the magic of the air, must find the elementalists and be reunited with Shay. Will their love have chance to blossom at last? This second volume takes the reader on a rite-of-passage adventure, where the characters must transform their inner selves in order to defeat their Darkness and be joined with the Light. It is a test for both the individual and the entire people, as all of the isle’s inhabitants are forced to examine their inner lives when a dark mist invades the land. Where does this fog really come from? What exactly feeds the Shadows which the Ulaid dread so much? How is it possible to defeat such a familiar enemy? In addition to transporting us to a fantasy universe combining Celtic mythology, magic and love, the author uses the characters to take us on an inner journey where we can shine light on our own shadows. This novel is light yet profound, hard yet tender, and frightening yet inspiring. It will appeal to older teens and young adults who enjoy stories filled with action and adventure as well as values and sincerity. It would also be an
The Maggie Shayne Twilight Shadows Bundle
by Maggie ShayneMaggie Shayne's Shadows Bundle. Don't miss these classic tales that started the Twilight miniseries! - includes Twilight Phantasies, Twilight Memories, and Twilight Illusions For centuries, loneliness has haunted them from dusk till dawn. Yet now, from out of the darkness, shines the light of eternal life . . . eternal love. Twilight Phantasies Cruel fate condemned Eric Marquand to walk forever in shadow - alone. To possess his soulmate was to destroy her. But Tamara believed in taking fate into her own hands. . . . Twilight Memories Rhiannon was a dangerous creature of the night. If Roland cast her away, it would be like driving a stake through her heart - exactly what the mortal on her trail wanted! Twilight Illusions He was the greatest of his accursed kind. But Damien's ancient mystic power was threatened by a terrible weakness - a passion for a woman of mortal flesh and blood. . . .
The Magic
by Juliana GarnettFrom one of romance's most celebrated talents comes a sweeping medieval tale of the danger, mystery, and magic that bring together a chivalrous knight and a ravishing seer. Rhys ap Griffyn is handsome, determined, and fearless. After gallantly serving in King Richard's crusade, he has rushed back to England to claim his inheritance. And although it is Beltane Eve, a night wrought with evil and magic, nothing will stop him on his quest to gain what is rightfully his. But Rhys encounters more on this spooky night than ghosts and ghouls: He finds Sasha, the only person with the power to distract him. He agrees to help this raven-haired beauty, but his help comes with a price. Seemingly blessed with a sharp wit, bewitching looks, and the "gift" of second sight, Sasha lacks the one thing that she most desires: her father's lost kingdom, to which she is heir. Through her gift, she has sought out Rhys in the hopes of striking a deal: She'll spend a night in his arms in exchange for his assistance reclaiming her birthright. Both Rhys and Sasha have something to gain, but neither foresees the result of this provocative arrangement: wild, unstoppable passion. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Devil's Thief, Paradise Café, and The Perfect Catch.
The Magic Between Us
by Tammy FalknerWhen These Worlds Collide Cecelia Hewitt has lived her whole life in the land of the fae, and she dreams of a future with her childhood sweetheart, Marcus Thorne. When Marcus is called upon to dwell in the human world, it means leaving Cecelia behind and breaking both their hearts... More Than Sparks May Fly Marcus was groomed for leadership in the land of the fae, but now that he has found his human parents, he will inherit his father's title and position in the British ton--and he will marry a human. As love and passion continue to burn between Cecelia and Marcus, the question remains: Can two people fated for different worlds find one to share? Praise for The Magic of "I Do": "The hilarious banter...will make you laugh out loud, the danger will send chills down your spine, and the romance will bring sighs of joy."--RT Book Reviews, 4 stars "Absolutely entertaining from beginning to end."--Long and Short Reviews "With a bit of magic and lots of passion, The Magic of 'I Do' is a treasure."--My Book Addiction and More
The Magic Broom
by Teegan LoyWith the winter Olympics on the horizon, Cody Mikkelson's editor assigns him several stories about athletes in the area with gold medal aspirations. But there's a catch: Cody has to try all the sports when he interviews the athletes--and he is so not an athlete. The day before his torment begins, four new guys move into the apartment down the hall, including the handsome Shane Spicer. Cody is immediately desperate to figure out if Shane is gay, but both men have busy schedules, leaving little time to socialize. So Cody heads back to work and goes to interview the local curling team, where among brooms, laughter, a sore backside, and an unexpected meeting, Cody finds he just might get his chance after all.
The Magic Circle: A Novel
by Katherine NevilleA collection of prophecies from before the time of Christ gives a female scientist the chance to save the world in this captivating thriller from the #1 international bestselling author of The Eight In the last week of Jesus's life, the Emperor Augustus orders the purge of all prophecies that question his divine power. Thus, in the crater of a dormant volcano, the books of the Sibylline oracle are sealed--lost to the world until the nineteenth century when Clio, a brilliant archaeologist, discovers them. The Sibyl's words remain as potent as ever, having the ability to change the destiny of mankind. But who will be bold enough to harness their power? More than a century after their discovery, some of the secret prophecies fall into the hands of nuclear scientist Ariel Behn when her beloved cousin is assassinated. If Ariel can discover the mystery behind the prophecies, she will be able to prevent a potentially worldwide catastrophe--but in order to do so she must travel to Russia, Vienna, and Paris where too many people are desperate to protect the secrets of these ancient writings. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Katherine Neville including rare images from her life and travels.
The Magic Cottage
by James HerbertThe first part of the magic was the cottage itself, quaint, charming, and peaceful. The second part was the new heights of creativity it inspired in its tennants, but there was another part to the magic, the dark side. From The Critics Publishers WeeklyHerbert's 12th novel is a minor effort about a young couple, Midge and Mike (she's an artist and children's book writer; he's a rock musician) who buy an idyllic country home, christened Gramarye (``magic'' in old English) by a former owner. Gradually they find that Gramarye is the focus of supernatural energies, and that they themselves are sometimes the media through which these energies work. The house at first seems lovely and warm but takes on a sinister mood as cracks develop in the stone, moisture and mildew crawl up the walls, and bats multiply in the attic. Complicating the picture is the presence of a local cult, led by an Aleister Crowley type, which desperately wishes to gain control of Gramarye and its forces. A few creepy moments spike the generally lethargic pace of the novel. A veteran horror writer and bestseller in England, Herbert here writes like a noviceeverything spelled out, one-dimensional characterizations, no brevity, no wit; very occasionally diverting. Troll Book Club alternate. (September 14) Library JournalMike and Midge, an artistic young couple, decide to leave London and embark on a search for a country house. Midge is drawn to a cottage formerly owned by an eccentric old woman, and peculiar things start happening: falling to pieces at first viewing, the cottage is perfect when carpenters come; wild animals scamper through without fear; members of a religious cult need verbal invitation to cross the threshold. The book intriguingly implies that there is no good or bad magic, it's all in how it is used. However, a fairly interesting story is marred by unlikeable, unbelievable characters and an over-explanatory style. And Mike's ``little did I know'' narrative removes most of the suspense and mystery. A slow-moving, not very frightening horror story by the author of The Rats , The Fog , and Moon . A.M.B. Amantia, Population Crisis Committee Lib., Washington, D.C.
The Magic Hour: an uplifting and moving tale of serendipity and fate from bestselling author Charlotte Bingham
by Charlotte BinghamExciting and dramatic but tender and heartfelt; this is a novel that you will return to again and again. From the million copy and Sunday Times bestselling author Charlotte Bingham, for fans of Louise Douglas and Dinah Jeffries.'An engaging, romantic and nostalgic read' -- DAILY MAIL'Compulsive reading... Bingham's prose is lively and vivid, making this a real page turner' -- GOOD BOOK GUIDE"These are characters you will really care about" -- ***** Reader review"Very enjoyable and hard to put down" -- ***** Reader review"Incredibly well written and engrossing" -- ***** Reader review**************************************************************************TWO PATHS, ONE DESTINATION...When Alexandra Stamford goes to stay with her cousins at Knighton Hall she is very much the poor relation. Shortly after her return home, her father re-marries. No longer wanted, Alexandra is forced to become a maid-of-all-work for a Mrs Smithers who lives in a grand Regency house in the seaside town of Deanford.It is here that handsome, funny Bob Atkins meets and falls in love with Alexandra...Meanwhile Tom O'Brien, erstwhile stable lad at Knighton Hall, meets and falls for the beautiful Lady Florazel Compton who introduces him to the sophistications of 1950s London.As Bob is conscripted for National Service, Alexandra plans her future, and in doing so discovers family secrets that have a devastating impact. Tragedy strikes, and it is only when Tom returns from New York to search out his old friend Bob Atkins' fiancée that Alexandra's life appears about to be truly transformed.But the past seems destined to wreck the happiness of the present, as the glamorous Lady Florazel Compton is determined to re-capture her former love, destroying the magic hour of Tom's and Alexandra's meeting.
The Magic Mirror and the Seventh Dwarf
by Tia NevittBook two in Accidental Enchantments. Prince Richard is cursed. Enslaved to a magic mirror, he must truthfully answer the evil queen when she uses it to call on him. To keep from betraying innocents, Richard wanders the countryside and avoids people.All her life, Gretchen has been teased for being small. When she hears of a hidden farm populated by little people like her, she sets out to find it-and is welcomed by the mostly male inhabitants. Lars in particular woos her with his gentle kindness and quiet strength.Danger looms when Gretchen meets a runaway princess and offers her shelter at the Little Farm. Wandering nearby, Richard instantly falls in love with the beautiful princess, and is later compelled to tell the queen that she is not the fairest of them all. Enraged, the queen vows to find them and destroy them.If either Gretchen or Richard are to have their happy endings, they must team up to break the mirror's spell before the queen kills them all...For another fairy tale retelling from Tia Nevitt, check out The Sevenfold Spell, available now! 43,000 words
The Magic Pact
by Jaimie N. SchockSequel to The Crystal CallKenna and Yuuki go on a mission to track down Moíra, the evil woman behind the mutations that now infect the former United States. They intend to make her pay for what she’s done, especially for torturing Dakota. Their trip on horseback is a long one, and they encounter many groups of people, some of who are definitely not friendly.Meanwhile, Dakota and Terrell set up shop in their little fortress. But peace and quiet are interrupted by the reappearance of an enraged Odessa, who demands to know where Kenna can be found.Will Kenna and Yuuki find Moíra, and can they handle a fight against her? Moreover, what will Odessa do if and when she locates Kenna?
The Magic Returns
by S. ParkAll the world changed in a single moment. Lives were ended, and even more lives disrupted. For magic had come back into the world, destroying all modern technology in an instant. And with the magic came elves, dragons, were-folk ... and vampires.Thomas is one of these, and one of the oldest, for he was there when the world changed. He has been alone for a long time. When a chance encounter leads him to Justin and Ian, a mated pair of werewolves, he finds that he may not need to be alone any more.Justin, ever-curious, asks Thomas about the day the magic returned, and Thomas shares two stories from his past, describing the confusion and horror of the old wold's destruction, but also sharing the blossoming relationship he found amid the chaos.
The Magic Shop
by Ed SutterAlec Gavins' first summer job results in love, magic, and adventure. He comes into possession of an ancient golden amulet which grants his wishes, although never in the way he expects. Alec and friends Marina and her uncle Zack begin researching the pendant, discovering it's linked with the lost tomb of Alexander the Great. They've no idea a malevolent group, also looking for the tomb, are determined to get hold of the amulet—at any price. Alec's life becomes a roller-coaster ride when Alexander's spirit attempts to control him—at a time when Alec's going to need his wits about him just to survive... Alec Gavin's adventires continue in THE DEFENDERS and THE AMULET AND THE STAFF... don't miss these great sequels!
The Magic Touch
by Kelly FlorentiaMarriage isn't high on 39-year-old Emma King's list of priorities; after all, she's been there and done it once. So there are no big surprises when, yet again, she turns down her long-term partner Harry's marriage proposal. They're a solid, secure couple - a piece of paper won't make any difference. That is until she accidentally stumbles across a flirtatious text message from one of his female colleagues on his phone. Overcome with suspicion and an impending fear of losing Harry, Emma goes on a quest to get to the bottom of his secret affair with the help of her ninety-three-year-old neighbour, Alistair, her best friend Ola, and Harry's sister-in-law's psychic app, The Magic Touch.
The Magic Touch: A funny, uplifting and utterly heartwarming love story
by Kelly Florentia'Modern, funny, and heartwarming' BOOKAHOLIC CONFESSIONS'Warmth, humour, intrigue, and a little magic' KRAFTIREADERWould you read your partner's texts? What if you thought they were having an affair?Once bitten, twice shy, Emma King is in no rush to join Harry's bustling, big, fat Greek Cypriot family and become Mrs Georgiades. Emma doesn't think they need a piece of paper to prove how much they love each other. They're solid - unbreakable. But when she accidentally stumbles across a flirtatious text message on Harry's mobile phone, alarm bells start going off in her head.Overcome with suspicion and an impending fear of losing the love of her life, Emma goes on a mission to get to the bottom of this secret affair with the help of her best friend Ola, her ninety-three-year-old neighbour Alistair, and a psychic predictions app: The Magic Touch. Because no one is going to snatch Harry from her - no one!Readers LOVE The Magic Touch:'The Magic Touch was a joy to read. Bright, modern, funny - I laughed out loud - touches of sadness and more twists and turns than an F1 circuit to the very last page, literally, this debut novel by Kelly Florentia is a triumph' 5* Reader Review'A wonderfully entertaining and moving novel' 5* Reader Review'There's a little bit of everything in this story; love, friendship, mystery and intrigue . . . A lovely read!' 5* Reader Review'What a debut . . . fantastic plot, humor, warmth and characters that stayed with me after I read the final page' 5* Reader Review'This book really worked its magic on me! A fabulous romance' 5* Reader Review'A winner in every respect' 5* Reader Review'I loved reading this book so much I couldn't put it down!!' 5* Reader Review
The Magic Touch: A funny, uplifting and utterly heartwarming love story
by Kelly Florentia'Modern, funny, and heartwarming' BOOKAHOLIC CONFESSIONS'Warmth, humour, intrigue, and a little magic' KRAFTIREADERWould you read your partner's texts? What if you thought they were having an affair?Once bitten, twice shy, Emma King is in no rush to join Harry's bustling, big, fat Greek Cypriot family and become Mrs Georgiades. Emma doesn't think they need a piece of paper to prove how much they love each other. They're solid - unbreakable. But when she accidentally stumbles across a flirtatious text message on Harry's mobile phone, alarm bells start going off in her head.Overcome with suspicion and an impending fear of losing the love of her life, Emma goes on a mission to get to the bottom of this secret affair with the help of her best friend Ola, her ninety-three-year-old neighbour Alistair, and a psychic predictions app: The Magic Touch. Because no one is going to snatch Harry from her - no one!Readers LOVE The Magic Touch:'The Magic Touch was a joy to read. Bright, modern, funny - I laughed out loud - touches of sadness and more twists and turns than an F1 circuit to the very last page, literally, this debut novel by Kelly Florentia is a triumph' 5* Reader Review'A wonderfully entertaining and moving novel' 5* Reader Review'There's a little bit of everything in this story; love, friendship, mystery and intrigue . . . A lovely read!' 5* Reader Review'What a debut . . . fantastic plot, humor, warmth and characters that stayed with me after I read the final page' 5* Reader Review'This book really worked its magic on me! A fabulous romance' 5* Reader Review'A winner in every respect' 5* Reader Review'I loved reading this book so much I couldn't put it down!!' 5* Reader Review